Fellowship is extended to a select group of 100 of the top family law trial lawyers from across the United States. Fellowship is extended only by invitation, after careful investigation, to those experienced family law trial lawyers who have mastered the art of advocacy and whose professional careers exemplify the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, civility and collegiality. Fellowship is limited to those family law trial lawyers who are regarded as the best in their state. In order to be admitted, lawyers must be actively engaged in family law trial work as their principal area of practice for a minimum of ten years and a member of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, a National organization of family law attorneys with 1600 members throughout the United States. Excellence in family law trial practice is a prerequisite for fellowship.

Prospective candidates must be members of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and are known for their excellence in family law trial practice. At its inception in 1993 six former Presidents of the AAML were founding members and every president thereafter has come from the members of the ACFTL. In order to provide balance and diversity throughout the United States, we attempt to maintain a balance of the percentage of membership of states by the number of Fellows of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Submissions of names are made to the President, who communicates same to the Executive Committee which has, since its inception, been the committee, after investigation and research, which selects candidates for membership.